Does the rise of fast food have something to do with irritable bowel syndrome? IBS is certainly becoming common among people who have crossed over from their teens and even in those in the thirty something age range. Coincidence?

According to a number of research studies, the ingredients in fast food may have a connection with dysfunction of the large intestine or colon which is quite sensitive to both food byproducts and stress. Due to the latter, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as spastic colon. Anyone afflicted with this syndrome may have irregular bowel movements which are labeled spasmodic, and this is often mixed in with constipation as well.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may also be an eventual development in those who have multiple intestinal infections caused by bacteria like E coli, salmonella etc. It is felt that those who develop bacterial gastroenteritis may be more prone to eventually develop IBS. This is not proven by any means, but if you have this condition of are bordering on a chronic symptom state that is close to this, it is reasonable to stop eating foods that might be causing repeat infections. This may occur with spoiled food, some cheeses etc, but is not very common in the USA.

We also know that Irritable Bowel Syndrome deepens one’s stress and anxiety which again worsen the condition. Likewise, other symptoms of IBS also induce some types of nervousness and depression. It can be a full circle of chronic stress-symptoms-stress-symptoms.

In some folks, what was thought to be IBS is really celiac disease which is related to lack of ability to efficiently process gluten (a protein) by the digestive system. Wheat flour, barley white of the eye etc contains the protein called gluten which usually helps in the bread making process. The immune system of people afflicted with celiac disease reacts to this protein- gluten, by destroying tissue in the intestinal wall. By doing a blood test you can confirm whether or not you may have this gluten allergy vs. IBS. The test is for certain antibodies that may be present in your system. Keep one important point in mind if you are tested. A positive test pretty much says that you have gluten allergy or celiac disease. However, if the test is negative, it does NOT mean that you do not have celiac disease. This is referred to as a false negative and can certainly be your problem. So, if you suspect that you may still have celiac disease after a negative test, simply try a gluten free diet. If you are better after a few weeks to a month, you have your answer.

So, this may be repetitive from article to article, but in order to stop suffering from IBS, or what you may thing is IBS, is straightforward to attack. First, working with a doctor, make sure it is not a diagnosable disease rather than IBS. Second, assuming there is no disease diagnosis, determine which foods make your conditions worse, and eliminate them. Third, even though stress is becoming more and more part of the average person’s human condition, you either have to eliminate the stress or manage it.